You’re on holiday in Thailand, and you can’t help but notice the many tourist stands offering scooters for rent, inviting you to explore the beautiful natural landscapes and activities the country has to offer. All they ask for is your passport, and you’re good to go! Everyone’s hopping on motorcycles, so why not join the adventure?
But did you know that to legally ride a scooter in Thailand, you need to be allowed to drive in your home country and possess an international driving license? What if you don’t have one? Well, here’s some great news: You can get a local Thai driving license even on a tourist visa, granting you the safety and freedom to hit the road. I recently went through this process in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in September 2022, and I’m excited to share my experience with you.
What documents do you need?
To kickstart the process, you’ll need the following documents:
- A medical certificate, obtainable for around 150 baht at a hospital clinic. They’ll assess your current health status, including body temperature and blood tests, and you’ll undergo an eye test to ensure your vision is up to par.
- A certificate of residence from immigration. After your first day in Thailand, your accommodation provider (whether it’s a landlord, hotel, Airbnb, or another type of lodging) must officially register your stay. This allows you to apply for a TM30 form at immigration, a small document confirming that your accommodation has recorded your presence. This form is also necessary for extending your visa, so it’s wise to keep it. Normally, the residence certificate takes a few weeks to process, but there’s an express option available for a few hundred extra baht, which gets it to you the next day.
- A copy of your passport.
Choosing a recommended Driving School in Chiang Mai, Thailand
I opted for KW Driving School in Chiang Mai to complete my motorcycle driving test. The examination fee is 1500 baht, and it takes a two-day commitment. The first day runs from 8 am to 6 pm, and the second day from 8 am to 4 pm. These days include video instructions and practice tests for the theoretical part of the exam, as well as practical training for the actual riding test. It’s advisable to book your spot in advance since these schools can get fully booked.
The examination consists of a theory test with 50 questions, where you need to answer 45 correctly to pass. The other part involves a small practical exam with an interesting twist: you must ride and stay on a white line for a full 10 seconds (no less).
Pass both tests, and congratulations! You’re now the proud owner of a legitimate and valid Thai Motorcycle License. The school will assist you in preparing the necessary documents to bring to the Department of Transportation. There, they’ll take your photo, conduct another eye test, and voila! You’re ready to receive your small, card-sized driving license.
How long is the driving license valid?
You’ll receive a card similar in size to a bank card, representing a temporary motorbike license that’s valid solely in Thailand for two years. After these two years, you can apply for a permanent driving license that’s valid for five years. If you wish to obtain an international driving permit, you can do so with a permanent license for an additional 500 baht. While officially, an international license isn’t always required in other Asian countries, it’s practical to have one wherever possible.
Wishing you the best of luck! Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.
Warm regards,
Anique
